Download the presentation – Last updated: 7 June 2023

How_to_prevent-bike-theft_KozakO.pdf

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Last updated: 05 July 2023

Many people have had their bicycles stolen. This is one of the main reasons people stop cycling. An integrated plan is needed, covering actions by the police, the justice system, the creation of a central depot and an efficient registration system, and awareness-raising as to how to lock a bike securely with a solid lock. (Cycling priority)

Bike theft from public places is a sad reality, and it’s a big and growing problem in Brussels. The often slow police reaction and the justice system have a lot of work to do to catch up. One day, you will be able to buy a bike that can’t be stolen. But in the meantime, there is a lot you can do to minimise the risk of losing your bike to criminals.

Protect your bicycle from three kinds of theft:

1. Opportunity: theft of unlocked bikes by people walking nearby.

   1. For this purpose, any kind of simple lock works. Although cable locks are easily cut and are discouraged, still they prevent grab-and-go.
   2. Lock both the front and back wheel and possibly your saddle.
   3. Optionally, you can use security bolts for the wheels and saddle, like Pitlock.de, or Abus Nut.
   4. These locks prevent drunk party people from having fun stealing your front wheel or saddle, children from playing with things they should not play with, and tourists from trying their chances. Or such a lock would have prevented the walk-away by an 80-year-old grandpa with the 5000€ mountain bike of my friend in front of a suburban bike shop, while he was discussing hydraulic brakes inside.

2.  Grab-and-go: casual thieves.

   1. These thieves usually work in pairs or in trios, one cuts the lock, and the other runs away with the bicycle. They mostly have simple tools, like a strong wrench, a saw, or a bigger bolt cutter.
   2. Invest in a strong lock, which usually costs between 70-100 Euro. U-locks will make it harder for thieves, and a 13 mm diameter U-lock can only be cut with an angle grinder (example: Abus X-Plus 540 – it also has one of the best anti-lock-picking mechanics).
   3. Use two U-locks, or a U-lock and security bolts. These usually steer away casual thieves, and they look for easier prey.
   4. Make sure the lock doesn’t touch the ground. If the lock or chain touches the ground, it makes it easier to cut with a bolt cutter. Why? Try cutting a chain with a bolt cutter, and you’ll see!

3. Organized: using special tools, in teams.

   1. These thieves pinpoint your bicycle and wait for the opportunity to steal it.  This type of theft is difficult to be prevented by locks.
      However, you can invest in:
      – Hiplok D1000 – angle-grinder resistant (1.9 kg) – key-alike possible
      – Litelok X1 – angle-grinder resistant (1.7 kg)
      – Litelok X3 – angle-grinder resistant (2.1 kg)
      – Altor Lock SAF – angle-grinder proof, and very difficult to pick (6.9 kg)
      1. Common techniques include cutting off the lock with an angle grinder (1-2 min). Or tampering with the lock mechanism, or attaching a huge lock/chain, so you must leave the bike there overnight. This way they can come back to cut off your original locks with heavier equipment later when you have left.
      2. Most common bicycle locks can be picked with simple tools in 1-2 minutes (costs €50 on eBay), or can be cut with a battery-powered angle grinder (costs €150 in Brico).
         Do you think we are exaggerating?
      3. Google for “brand-name lock-picking”, and in a few minutes you find the youtube tutorial on how to pick your lock.
   2. Buy theft insurance for your bicycle. These can be bought when you buy a new bike with a lock, and they reimburse 80% of the original price towards a new bike purchase. In Belgium, the theft can be declared on-line at policeonweb.belgium.be.
   3. Get your bike registered with an official number. This helps to claim your bike in the rare case that it is found. In Brussels, this service is accessible via mybike.brussels.

General precautions to do all the time:

1. Use the institutions’ garages and other secure parking. Parking your bicycle in front of the buildings is faster, but less secure.
2. Use fixed-to-the-ground items to lock your bike. Avoid:
   1. Avoid street signs that can be removed
   2. Avoid street posts without a sign on the top – the bike can lift up by standing on a box
   3. Avoid U-shape rails (arceau-en-U) that are fixed with bolts to the ground, like those near Berlaymont’s entrance
   4. Avoid weak trees
3. Aim for direct sight visibility, and watch your bike from the window of the café, peek at your bike from the terrace of the apartment. Avoid leaving your bike unattended in public places, especially in the evening, even if it is locked.
4. In the unfortunate event that you are a victim of bike theft:
   1. make sure you report it to the police in person or online (it only works if you have Belgian ID card with a chip) and
   2. let the EUCG Committee know.
   1. You can search velostrouves.be, the police database, to see whether it has been recovered.
   2. If you hire a service bike, and it’s stolen on work premises, always report the theft to your security officer.
5. Buy a folding bicycle, and keep it in your office and apartment – of course, still locked in your office.
6.  Have several bicycles, and use your cheap-old-ugly bike in case you need to leave it unattended for long.
7. For electric bikes, remove the display/head-unit from the handlebar, and if you park the bike for several hours, also remove the battery. The head-unit costs 100+ €, and the battery costs 3-800€.

Are you witnessing a crime?

1. We suggest not to intervene directly, in line with the Police’s recommendation. The last thing you want that some crazy people to stab you with a knife, or worse, rob you?! No bike is worth a kidney operation, or a year of therapy to recover from the trauma of being attacked.
2. Instead, pull away to a safe distance, and call the police on 112. Let the operator control the conversation. Stay on-line until the police arrive, or the operator hangs up.
3. The police will probably ask for the following details:
   1. Type of crime (automobile theft, assault, etc.)
   2. Location of the crime (street address and cross streets.)
   3. Description of suspects (height; build; the colour of eyes, hair and skin; clothing and disguises; special marks or unusual features such as scars and tattoos; and weapons, tools or vehicles used).
   4. Description of property or person(s) being subjected to criminal activity

Do you still think bike theft won’t happen to you?

Instead of wasting time on Facebook or pointless web surfing, spend an hour watching:

• this list of YouTube videos collected on bike theft and locks, by one of our members,
• this video of recommended locks tested by Bikeradar
• especially don’t miss Hal grades your locks!

Lock and insurance recommendations, especially for e-bikes

The presentation on How to buy an e-bike has extensive tips with brands, lock types, and insurance packages in the annex/bonus section.

You can watch or download it on this page: How to buy an e-bike?